Meal-Replacement Acai Smoothie {vegan}. Breakfast in the garden? Or garden in the breakfast, haha! Actually I did eat my acai bowl in the garden, but not those flowers – those are not edible.
But the delicious Acai berries are! Grown in the rainforests of South American, Acai berries are full of aging-battling antioxidants, fiber, protein and heart-healthy omega-3’s, and even vitamin C – excellent for glowing skin and energy!
It also makes a great base for a meal replacement shake or weight control smoothie, especially when you throw in a handful of rolled oats.
It also makes a great base for a meal replacement shake or weight control smoothie, especially when you throw in a handful of rolled oats.
Where and in what form can we find Acai? Well, the berries are fresh in Brazil, but go bad quickly so harvesting and shipping is rather a chore, hence the high cost of all things Acai.
I think its worth it though, and I make sure I have an Acai bowl or smoothie twice a week. To make a frosty fresh one, use high-quality puree packets, bought online via Amazon or in your grocer – I found mine both in a general large grocery story chain as well as Whole Foods, just look in the frozen berry section. You can also make it with a high quality Acai powder, just mix it with ice and water..
Here is my exact recipe for the barest of Acai bowls I made today. (Recipe for Pitaya popsicle pictured is coming soon!) Experiment with addins on your own, though. Unsweetened puree tastes like unsweetened applesauce, and it doesn’t take much to sweeten it, just a bit of fruit. Some say Acai actually has chocolate overtones and goes well with chocolate, too. So once or twice I’ve dolloped on some hazelnut chocolate butter. Share your Acai combos in comments if you want or find me on Instagram, enjoy!
I think its worth it though, and I make sure I have an Acai bowl or smoothie twice a week. To make a frosty fresh one, use high-quality puree packets, bought online via Amazon or in your grocer – I found mine both in a general large grocery story chain as well as Whole Foods, just look in the frozen berry section. You can also make it with a high quality Acai powder, just mix it with ice and water..
Here is my exact recipe for the barest of Acai bowls I made today. (Recipe for Pitaya popsicle pictured is coming soon!) Experiment with addins on your own, though. Unsweetened puree tastes like unsweetened applesauce, and it doesn’t take much to sweeten it, just a bit of fruit. Some say Acai actually has chocolate overtones and goes well with chocolate, too. So once or twice I’ve dolloped on some hazelnut chocolate butter. Share your Acai combos in comments if you want or find me on Instagram, enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
makes 1 smoothie bowl
- 2 packets 4 oz frozen Acai puree packets (I use this brand or this brand) OR 1-2 tbsp Acai powder (I use this brand) with 1/2 cup ice water)
- 1 handful rolled oats (I use gluten-free)
- 1 cup ice
- 2 cups berries (I used blueberries to retain the dark red-purple color)
METHOD
Cut open the frozen packets and sit them in your blender a few minutes to thaw. Then pop in all ingredients, blend ’til smooth. This mix actually refrigerates well — stays frosty and thick – so you can double the mix, keep it in a pitcher for the next day as well.
Tag me on Instagram if you make it! Or pin the image below if you like it!
Dee Dine is founder of Green Smoothie Gourmet, a plant based recipe blog, and author of the recent cookbook, Crazy Healthy with 4 Ingredients . On this blog you’ll find incredibly easy recipes with hidden veggies for anyone wanting to eat healthier, regardless of diet. Dee has graduate degrees in sciences and journalism. More about Dee Dine here.
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